Vanilla Flare Tip Super Speed...superb shave!

[Topgumby]

No colored tip. None of that snazzy 40's style. No funky black handle. Not a TV Special, movie special or any kind of special.

A-4, 1955. Not a wartime razor, no real historical interest. No case. Cost me less than those fancy coffees that are so popular here. Not a collector's razor. Not a razor that will get a "lookee here what I just scored!" post from any but the newest wet shaving enthusiast.

I admit, they are boring. Dull. Unexciting. Even drab. I've given them away, because they recipient might not take to wet shaving and "it's just a plain ol' Super Speed, anyway". I've seen bargains on auction sites and just shrugged.

Since I started using a DE, I've always had one or two. Never really shaved with one, except when I started, and it was unimpressive. Always got passed over for the more interesting razors, and when I wanted to go minimal, there are those nice Techs to tempt me. If I was going to use a Super Speed, the Fourties style had more style, and the Red Tip was way cooler, plus, it has to shave closer, right? Gillette said so!

Tonight I loaded the plain Jane up, strictly because I'd just scored it and got it to shine. Cella, Shark and a boring flare tip.

There's a great shave in that ho-hum razor. Three very pleasurable passes, and damn near BBS, and the Special Reserve barely stung at all.

It's a fun, easy shave. Why didn't somebody tell me?

 

[DFrancis]

It's a fun, easy shave. Why didn't somebody tell me?

You never asked, I have a pair of them and while neither is a looker they give me consistently great shaves and are built like a tank.

 

[demaro]

I have about 10 of those plain flare tips. I use them most of the time. A close second for me is one of my red tips.

 

[Topgumby]

Any idea why they get so little "ink" on the boards?

 

[BBrad]

Any idea why they get so little "ink" on the boards?

After spending big $$ on Merkurs, EJs, NOS Fat Boys, Toggles, Diplomats, Double Rings, or any other visually appealing and desirable shaving device . . . who wants to admit that the Super Speed purchased for less than $20 is such a great shave???

 

[Loric]

I had an exceptionally nice shave with my black handle Super Speed today loaded with a Super Iradium. I always have nice shaves with it, but the handle is so little in my big hand. I'd use it more if I did not feel like I was using a little kids toy. The red tip feels more substantial to me, but I admit I have not used mine yet.

 

[Darjeeling Express]

TopGumby, I'm pulling mine out tomorrow and will get to work with it later this week.

 

[MikeGJ]

I started shaving with one of these. I recently bought one, as I felt the need to revisit my DE history. It works beautifully. Still a great razor. Gillette made zillions of them, so they can be picked up cheaply. Everyone should own one!

 

[RCC]

thanks for the inspiring post.
My '63 will be ready for the morning.

 

[Hank21]

I have a 65 SS. Those razor are pretty well made. Simple and all metal. It will last a long time.

 

[luvmysuper]

I say it every time I post!

(user name)

 

[Hat]

Hey, you guys are so right. I like my '57 a lot. Reminds me of a '57 Chevy.

 

[kg4ghn]

And to think, I have one and haven't even tried it yet! I'll have to break it out tomorrow evening and give it a go.

I do have and have used a black handle SS and get excellent shaves from it.

 

[RCC]

That's what I like about this place.
This I-1 would have languished for another 6 months if you hadn't posted this thread.
BBS with an Astra.
thx -bob

View attachment 119842

 

[HoosierTrooper]

This inspired me to take out the SS for a spin this morning. Got a very good shave with the old warhorse.

I even broke out the vintage Old Spice cologne for a special treat.

1956 Flare Tip
Vintage Personna 74 blade
Vintage 1950's Williams soap
Vintage Ever-ready 300 brush
Vintage 1950's Old Spice cologne

 

[ShaveMark]

This inspired me to take out the SS for a spin this morning. Got a very good shave with the old warhorse.

I even broke out the vintage Old Spice cologne for a special treat.

1956 Flare Tip
Vintage Personna 74 blade
Vintage 1950's Williams soap
Vintage Ever-ready 300 brush
Vintage 1950's Old Spice cologne

Ouch! My other collecting hobbie is Turntables and you are displaying your shaving gear on top of a Technics dust cover, for shame, for shame!

 

[maxman]

I have a big box of stuff that i've won in auction lots or maybe came with other things i've bought. These things I PIF to newbies.
In it you'll find a bunch of SS razors that I just cast aside.

There is a flare tip or two in there.
Looks like it's time to dig one out and give it a go.

 

[brianw]

I stopped using DE's a couple of months ago, in favor of straights, SE's and injectors.... Top your post is forcing a SS shave tomorrow

 

[HoosierTrooper]

Ouch! My other collecting hobbie is Turntables and you are displaying your shaving gear on top of a Technics dust cover, for shame, for shame!

I thought it looked pretty good. By the way that is a working turntable I use quite often, still has the original stylus in it.

 

[Psychmike22]

I admit I have 2 and haven't used either yet.